What to Expect as Voting for Cameroon's Regional Elections Begins?
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Synopsis
Voting for regional elections in Cameroon commenced early Sunday, with polling stations opening at 8 a.m. and closing at 6 p.m. Municipal councillors and traditional leaders are set to elect 900 regional councillors. The ruling party has candidates in all constituencies, while recent unrest has been condemned by government officials. Discover the implications of this election.
Key Takeaways
- Voting commenced at 8 a.m. and will close at 6 p.m.
- 900 regional councillors are being elected across 10 regions.
- Government officials reported a smooth voting process.
- The ruling party is contesting in all 58 constituencies.
- Recent unrest has raised concerns about the political climate.
Yaounde, Nov 30 (NationPress) The voting process for Cameroon's regional elections commenced early Sunday, with polls opening across the nation at 8 a.m. (0700 GMT/1230 IST) and scheduled to conclude at 6 p.m. (1700 GMT/2230 IST) local time.
In both Yaounde, the capital, and Douala, the commercial hub, a reporter from Xinhua noted that municipal councillors and traditional leaders comprising the electoral college formed lines outside polling stations.
Officials from Elections Cameroon, the national electoral authority, stated to Xinhua that the voting, taking place in 58 divisional headquarters throughout the country, commenced smoothly.
The municipal councillors and traditional rulers will be responsible for electing 900 regional councillors who will serve five-year terms, with 90 councillors per region across the country's ten regions, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.
The ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement has put forward candidates in all 58 electoral constituencies and is contesting unopposed in several.
In 2020, Cameroon conducted its inaugural regional elections.
On November 3, Cameroon's Minister of Communication, Rene Emmanuel Sadi, criticized violent protests and civil disobedience following elections, promising that effective measures would be taken to restore peace.
Sadi, who also serves as the government spokesperson, mentioned that the unrest following the October 12 presidential election had resulted in property damage and theft.
He stated, "Those accountable for the disturbances, caught committing crimes, have been apprehended," in a public address.
This statement coincided with a civil disobedience campaign initiated by the opposition, which left many streets in the Central African nation largely empty at the beginning of the workweek on November 3.
Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who claimed victory in the election, called for a three-day nationwide "ghost town" protest from November 3-5, urging citizens to remain at home and halt all activities as a form of peaceful resistance.
Earlier in October, Paul Biya was re-elected as President of Cameroon for an eighth term, securing 53.66% of the votes, according to the Constitutional Council.
The candidate from the Cameroon National Salvation Front, Bakary, finished in second place with 35.19% of the votes. Out of over eight million registered voters, more than 4.6 million Cameroonians participated, yielding a turnout rate of 57.76%, compared to 53.85% in 2018 and 65.82% in 2011.
While announcing the final results, Constitutional Council President Clement Atangana declared the election to be free and fair.
Biya, aged 92 and in power since 1982, leads the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement.
Point of View
I believe that the regional elections in Cameroon signify a vital step towards strengthening democratic processes. The smooth commencement of voting indicates a commitment to stability, but the recent unrest following the presidential election raises concerns about the political climate. It is essential for all stakeholders to engage in dialogue to foster unity and progress.
NationPress
30/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What time did the voting start for Cameroon's regional elections?
Voting for Cameroon's regional elections began at 8 a.m. local time.
How many councillors are being elected in the regional elections?
A total of 900 regional councillors will be elected, with 90 councillors from each of the country's 10 regions.
What has the government said about recent protests?
Cameroon's Minister of Communication condemned the violent protests following the presidential elections and stated that measures would be taken to restore peace.
What is the voter turnout for the recent presidential election?
The voter turnout for the presidential election was 57.76%, with over 4.6 million Cameroonians casting their votes.
Who leads the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement?
The Cameroon People's Democratic Movement is led by Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982.
